Sokoto State: Interesting Facts About Seat Of The Caliphate
Sokoto state, also known as the “Seat of the Caliphate,” is a state in northwestern Nigeria with a rich cultural heritage and abundant natural resources. The state is named after the historic Sokoto Caliphate, a powerful Islamic empire that existed in the region in the 19th century. With its diverse ethnic groups, top higher institutions, and famous tourist attractions, Sokoto state is a hub of cultural and educational activities. In this article, we will explore some interesting facts about Sokoto state, including its history, geography, culture, and economy.
Interesting Facts About Sokoto State
Creation Of Sokoto State
Sokoto state was created on August 27, 1991, as part of the government’s efforts to decentralize power and promote local governance in Nigeria. Prior to its creation, Sokoto was part of the old Sokoto State, which was later split into Sokoto and Kebbi states.
Sokoto State Meaning
The name Sokoto is derived from the Hausa word “suk”, which means market. The state is named after the Sokoto Caliphate, a powerful Islamic empire that existed in the region in the 19th century. The caliphate was founded by Usman Dan Fodio, a prominent Islamic scholar and leader who led a successful jihad against the ruling Hausa kingdoms in the region.
Sokoto State Capital
The capital of Sokoto state is Sokoto city, which is also the largest city in the state. The city is located on the banks of the Sokoto River and is home to several historical and cultural landmarks, including the Sultan’s Palace, the Sokoto Central Market, and the Usman Dan Fodio University.
Sokoto State Slogan
The state slogan of Sokoto is “Seat of the Caliphate”. This slogan reflects the state’s rich cultural heritage and historical significance as the seat of the Sokoto Caliphate, one of the most powerful Islamic empires in West Africa.
Sokoto State Border
Sokoto state shares borders with four other states in Nigeria and one country. To the north, Sokoto state shares a border with Niger Republic, while to the east, it shares a border with Zamfara state. To the west, Sokoto state shares a border with Kebbi state, and to the south, it shares a border with Niger state.
Sokoto State Geopolitical Region
Sokoto state is located in the North-West geopolitical region of Nigeria. The North-West region is one of the six geopolitical regions in Nigeria and is home to seven states, including Sokoto state. The region is known for its diverse cultural and religious heritage, as well as its rich agricultural and mineral resources.
Sokoto State Local Government
Sokoto state is divided into 23 local government areas, each headed by a democratically elected chairman. The local government areas in Sokoto state include Binji, Bodinga, Dange Shuni, Gada, Goronyo, Gudu, Gwadabawa, Illela, Isa, Kebbe, Kware, Rabah, Sabon Birni, Shagari, Silame, Sokoto North, Sokoto South, Tambuwal, Tangaza, Tureta, Wamakko, Wurno, and Yabo.
Senatorial Districts In Sokoto State
Sokoto state is divided into three senatorial districts, each represented by a senator in the National Assembly. The three senatorial districts are Sokoto East, Sokoto North, and Sokoto South.
Sokoto State Main Religion
Islam is the predominant religion in Sokoto state, with over 95% of the population being Muslims. The state is home to several prominent Islamic institutions, including the Sultan’s Palace, the Sokoto Caliphate Palace, and the Usman Dan Fodio University.
Sokoto State Landmass
Sokoto state is the 16th largest state in Nigeria, with a landmass of 25,973 square kilometers. It is located in the northwestern part of Nigeria and shares borders with four other states and Niger Republic. The state is known for its diverse landscape, which includes savannah grasslands, rocky hills, and the Sokoto River.
Sokoto State Population
According to the 2006 census, Sokoto state had a population of 3,702,676, making it the third most populous state in the North-West geopolitical region of Nigeria. The state has a high population growth rate, which is attributed to factors such as high fertility rates, rural-urban migration, and the influx of refugees from neighboring countries. The population is predominantly made up of Hausa, Fulani, and Gobirawa ethnic groups, with other minority groups such as the Kambari, Zabarma, and Tuareg.
Tribes / Ethnic Group In Sokoto State
Sokoto state is home to several ethnic groups, with the Hausa, Fulani, and Gobirawa being the major ethnic groups. The Hausa are the largest ethnic group and are predominantly found in the urban areas, while the Fulani are mainly pastoralists and are found in the rural areas. Other minority ethnic groups include the Kambari, Zabarma, and Tuareg, who are mainly found in the border areas with Niger Republic.
Sokoto State Tourism
Sokoto state is a popular destination for tourists due to its rich cultural heritage and historical sites. The state is home to several landmarks and monuments, including the Sokoto Caliphate Palace, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sultan’s Palace, which is a symbol of the state’s traditional authority, and the tomb of Usman Dan Fodio, the founder of the Sokoto Caliphate. Other notable tourist attractions in the state include the Waziri Junaidu History and Culture Bureau and the Sokoto Museum.
Sokoto State Natural Resources
Sokoto state is rich in mineral resources such as gold, limestone, gypsum, and clay. The state is also known for its agricultural resources, including cotton, groundnuts, and sorghum. The state is currently exploring ways to harness its mineral and agricultural resources to drive economic growth and development.
Sokoto State First Democratic/ Elected Governor
The first elected governor of Sokoto state was Alhaji Yahaya Abdulkarim, who served from 1992 to 1993 under the platform of the National Republican Convention (NRC). He was succeeded by Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, who served from 1999 to 2007 under the platform of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).
Sokoto State Higher Institutions In The State
Sokoto state has several higher institutions, including Usmanu Danfodiyo University, which is a federal university established in 1975 and named after the founder of the Sokoto Caliphate, Usman Dan Fodio. The state also has Sokoto State University, which was established in 2009, Shehu Shagari College of Education, and Sokoto State Polytechnic. These institutions offer a wide range of academic programs in various fields, including science, technology, humanities, and social sciences.
Sokoto State : A Brief Overview
- Date Of Creation: Sokoto state was created on August 27, 1991, by the military government of General Ibrahim Babangida.
- State Name Meaning: The state is named after the historic Sokoto Caliphate, a powerful Islamic empire that existed in the region in the 19th century.
- State Capital: The capital of Sokoto state is Sokoto city.
- State Slogan: “Seat of the Caliphate”.
- State Border: Sokoto state shares borders with Niger Republic to the north, Zamfara state to the east, Kebbi state to the west, and Niger state to the south.
- Geopolitical Region: Sokoto state is located in the North-West geopolitical region of Nigeria.
- Number Of Local Government: Sokoto state has 23 local government areas.
- Number Of Senatorial Districts In The State: Sokoto state has 3 senatorial districts.
- Main Religion: Islam is the predominant religion in Sokoto state.
- State Landmass: Sokoto state is the 16th largest state in Nigeria, with a landmass of 25,973 square kilometers.
- State Population: According to the 2006 census, Sokoto state had a population of 3,702,676, making it the third most populous state in the North-West geopolitical region of Nigeria.
- Tribes / Ethnic Group In The State: The major ethnic groups in Sokoto state are the Hausa, Fulani, and Gobirawa. Other minority ethnic groups include the Kambari, Zabarma, and Tuareg.
- State Tourism: Sokoto state is known for its rich cultural heritage and historical sites, including the Sokoto Caliphate Palace, the Sultan’s Palace, the Waziri Junaidu History and Culture Bureau, and the tomb of Usman Dan Fodio, the founder of the Sokoto Caliphate.
- State Natural Resource: Sokoto state is rich in mineral resources such as gold, limestone, gypsum, and clay.
- First Democratic/ Elected Governor: The first elected governor of Sokoto state was Alhaji Yahaya Abdulkarim, who served from 1992 to 1993.
- Higher Institutions In The State: Sokoto state has several higher institutions, including Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto State University, Shehu Shagari College of Education, and Sokoto State Polytechnic.
